A Reset on Love

We are called to “spur one another one to love.” That means we are a family, a community, and we need to learn to live in that way together.

SERMON OUTLINE

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

A Reset on Our Image of the Church

• Various images of the church in Scripture
• The church as the bride of Christ (John 3:29; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9)
• The church as the family of God (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19; 5:1-11; 1 John 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9)
• The church is a community loved by God and called to love one another
• The church is not an event or a consumer activity

A Reset on How the Church Loves as a Family (Colossians 3:12-17)

• Christian love and character
• Christian love as bearing and forgiving
• Christian love as the source of unity
• Christian love and peace
• Christian love and prayer
• Christian love and correction
• Christian love and worship
• Christian love and the Holy Spirit
• Christian love and life in Christ

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When have you most needed a “reset” in your life? Were you able to do that or not? What happened?
2. This weekend we begin a new series called “Reset” that is rooted in Hebrews 10:24-25. This week’s study focuses on the first part of verse 24 related to loving one another. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read those two verses aloud.
3. When you think about the church, which of these Scriptural images is the first that jumps into your mind and why?
   1. Church as bride of Christ
   2. Church as body of Christ
   3. Church as new temple/building
   4. Church as family of God
4. Spend some time exploring the idea of the church as the family of God by reading aloud and considering some of these Scripture passages: John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19; Ephesians 5:1-11; 1 John 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9.
5. We’ll spend the remainder of the study looking at Colossians 3:12-17. Read that passage aloud. Why do you think verse 12 begins with an emphasis on character before relationship?
6. What stands out to you most in verse 13?
7. Why do you think Paul writes in verse 14 that love “binds then all together in perfect unity”?
8. How have you learned to let Christ’s peace take root in your life as Paul says in verse 15?
9. What sort of activity does Paul describe in verse 16 for the community of Christ?
10. What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study about how you might need a reset on love? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

DIG DEEPER

• Memorize Hebrews 10:24-25 or Colossians 3:12-17.
• Set aside space and time this week to meditate on Colossians 3:12-17. Let the Lord search through your heart and mind about your love for Him and for others. Ask the Lord to strengthen you in true love.
• You may want to read:
  • Irwyn L. Ince Jr., The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best
  • Francis Schaeffer, The Mark of the Christian